Gonzalo "Corky" Perez, an East Los Angeles community activist who aided young people and boosted the careers of such Latino politicians as Los Angeles City Councilman Richard Alatorre and state Democratic chairman Art Torres, has died. He was 67. Perez died Monday in a Glendale convalescent home after a series of strokes and complications from diabetes, which he had for many years.

A diverse group of Mexican-American activists and business leaders has decided to mount a unique, organized effort to promote a Chicano as the logical successor to Los Angeles Police Chief Daryl F. Gates. Instead of allowing aspirants to quietly enter the Civil Service selection process, the leaders of NEWS for America have decided to stage highly public events to convince the city's leadership and the general public that a qualified Chicano ought to be considered for the chief's job.